Two men have been remanded into custody following a deadly clash during the Homowo Festival celebrations in Omanjor, Accra.
The suspects Christian Saka Ahianyevi, 35, a security guard, and Newton Allotey, 26, a dispatch rider appeared before the Adabraka District Court on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, rioting with weapons, and murder.
The court, presided over by Abena Owusu Omenyo, deferred their pleas due to the seriousness of the charges and ongoing investigations.
Both men are to remain in lawful custody until their next appearance on September 29, 2025.
According to Chief Inspector Apeweh Achana, the violent incident occurred on August 30, 2025, during the annual Homowo Festival, a time of cultural pride and celebration for the chiefs and people of Omanjor and nearby communities.
The festival procession, which included the traditional sprinkling of Kpokpoi, was reportedly disrupted near the “Police land” area by the accused and approximately 30 others who claimed the celebrants had trespassed on their land.
The confrontation escalated into gunfire, resulting in the deaths of Abubakar Ramadan Sarbahaka Nii Kwashiebu, Joseph Shaibu Dodoo, and Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan.
Several others sustained injuries, including Frederick Lartey (alias Nii Obrafour), Samuel Adjei, and Nathaniel Doku. Some victims are still receiving treatment at Ridge and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospitals.
The following day, police arrested Christian and Newton based on intelligence reports.
Christian was found with a locally manufactured pistol and a machete, while 18 empty cartridges were discovered in Newton’s room.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects who are currently on the run.